Here to There (Is Surry County in the same universe as Spain?)

I headed out for my walk today and couldn't help but contrast here with there. 

For the last two weeks I've been hoofing over pavement in Spain. There I sidled through jammed sidewalks,  strolled down tree-lined paseos,  or treaded carefully over river rocks  in medieval alleys.

Today I was alone on our country drive, rather than sharing crowded walkways. 

The breeze was moderate with a crisp tinge unlike ocean-tempered Barcelona or warm Granada.




The only color left in my yard was from leggy cosmos lying horizontal. Compared to the Alhambra, it isn't even a garden. 



Join me the next few weeks as I contrast bustling Barcelona to medieval Madrid to laid-back Granada. It will have to satisfy both of us until we book another trip.  

Forget Enlightenment - Go for Relishment

I have achieved relishment. (If enlightenment is a a word, a state of being, why can't relishment be a word too?)

Saturday may have been the last 80 degree day we will see for seven months. So I set out to putz my way around the yard, a little trimming here and there, tending the raised bed. Nothing long or strenuous. 

Here's how you can achieve relishment too.

R-Relax. Crumple up the do-list and toss it in the trash.

E-Enjoy the task. If you don't get pleasure from it, quit! 

L-Linger over every little accomplishment.

I- Let imagination, rather than industry, rule. Turn off the timer in your head. Let your mind meander and some new ideas may have room to slip in! 

S-Savor the moment. Take time to sit in your favorite lawn chair and look around. Listen quietly to what's happening around you. Run your nose along the warm green pepper you picked and breathe in its spice. Close your eyes and let the sun warm your face. 

H-If you're healthy enough to get around on your own, live in a place you love, and have a little money in the bank, be happy!  You're not forced to escape from war,  shepherd your family across oceans or confront hostile borders. 

Relish tomorrow! And let me know what you particularly enjoyed.